Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir | March 08, 2025
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has spotlighted the transformative potential of the Lakhpati Didi Scheme, announcing that the government will extend assistance to 40,000 women across the Union Territory. This ambitious initiative aims to uplift rural women, enhancing their quality of life and providing a pathway out of poverty through sustainable economic opportunities.
A Bold Step Toward Women’s Empowerment
Speaking during the presentation of the Jammu & Kashmir Budget 2025 on March 07, 2025—the first in six years—Chief Minister Omar Abdullah underscored the government’s commitment to women’s economic independence. “Under the Lakhpati Didi Scheme, the government will provide assistance to 40,000 women,” he declared, framing it as a cornerstone of the administration’s vision for a prosperous J&K. The scheme, inspired by the national program launched by the Central government, seeks to enable women in Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to establish micro-startups and achieve an annual income exceeding ₹1 lakh.
Lifting Rural Women Out of Poverty
The Lakhpati Didi Scheme is poised to be a game-changer for rural women in J&K, a region where economic opportunities have often been constrained by geography and historical challenges. By offering training, financial support, and market linkages, the initiative aims to equip women with the tools to escape poverty’s grip. “This will improve the quality of life for rural women and help them break free from economic hardship,” Abdullah emphasized, echoing a sentiment of hope and self-reliance. The move aligns with broader efforts to address regional disparities and empower marginalized communities, as outlined in the budget speech.
Building on a National Vision
Nationally, the Lakhpati Didi Scheme has already shown remarkable success, with Gujarat reporting over 1.5 lakh women crossing the ₹1 lakh annual income threshold by March 08, 2025. In J&K, the target of 40,000 women reflects a tailored approach to local needs, leveraging SHGs to foster entrepreneurship in sectors like agriculture, handicrafts, and small-scale services. The state government’s allocation of ₹815 crore for 2024-25, aimed at doubling value addition and creating 2.88 lakh jobs, provides a robust financial backbone for such initiatives, ensuring that women in rural areas are not left behind.
A Ripple Effect of Prosperity
The impact of supporting 40,000 women under this scheme extends beyond individual households. As these women establish sustainable livelihoods—whether through weaving traditional Kashmiri textiles, producing local goods, or venturing into new enterprises—they are expected to stimulate local economies and inspire others. Stories like that of Preeti Devi from Jharkhand, who transitioned from a housewife to a lakhpati by starting a beauty parlor with SHG support, illustrate the potential for transformation. In J&K, similar success stories are anticipated, with women poised to become catalysts for community-wide progress.
A Commitment to a Brighter Future
As J&K navigates its path toward lasting peace and development post-Article 370, initiatives like Lakhpati Didi signal a focus on inclusive growth. Abdullah’s announcement, made just a day before International Women’s Day, resonates with the global call to celebrate and empower women. With 40,000 rural women set to benefit, the scheme promises not just economic upliftment but a redefinition of their roles in society—shifting from dependence to leadership. As the program rolls out, all eyes will be on J&K to see how these women turn assistance into achievement, lighting the way out of poverty one micro-startup at a time.